A country show will have wi-fi for the first time this year, as internet and cashless payments will be possible for visitors and stallholders.
Kildale Show, on the edge of the North York Moors above Great Ayton, will have a free wi-fi network for visitors this year.
The temporary installation by Harrogate firm NYnet will enable stallholders to take cashless payments for the first time.
The initiative follows a successful project by NYnet to bring permanent free wi-fi to more than 20 town centres across North Yorkshire, including Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk and Knaresborough.
Alastair Taylor, CEO of NYNet said: “Usage figures have far exceeded expectations in each of the towns where free wi-fi has been installed, particularly in Northallerton and Malton which has led to us extending coverage in these locations.
“We are looking to bring the service to even more rural towns and provide temporary networks for events like Kildale Show and Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day, where we have previously provided free wi-fi.”
Kildale Show has been a feature of the local community for 143 years and is held annually on the first Saturday in September.
Rose Sutcliffe of Kildale Show said the show is easily accessed from Stokesley, Middlesbrough and Great Ayton, but feels a million miles from local towns. The Show Field sits under Park Nab and Captain Cook’s monument.
Rose said: “Part of Kildale’s charm is its sense of remoteness, one of the few valleys still lacking mobile phone signal. “However, in this day and age, trade stands and visitors need to be able to make cashless transactions and we are delighted that NYNet has chosen to support the show this year. It will make for a first-class day.”
Kildale Show will be held on Saturday (September 7) this year.
It boasts trade and entertainment stands for all the family, from traditional sweets and bouncy castles to tractors, vintage motor cars and a licensed bar, as well as the Cleveland Police Community Band entertaining the crowds this year.
Competitions on the day will include egg throwing and sheaf tossing.
Children and adults exhibit their entries with pride in the show’s largest marquee, which showcases horticulture and produce, as well as handicrafts, photography, handwriting and paintings.
Other marquees hold craft and gift stalls to browse and buy from.
The main show ring will display different attractions across the day including dog agility and Wild Geese Archery, both of which spectators can participate in.
This year’s show features the Contemporary Community Choir and Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre.
There is a well-attended horse and pony section, attracting equine talent from across Yorkshire entering into working hunter and show jumping as well as a gymkhana section.
They close the competition with the Mounted Fancy Dress competition for younger children.
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